Hugues Oyarzabal, one of the world’s most famous surfers, has died at the age of 39, with his parents saying that he committed suicide.
They told the New York Times: ‘His physical and psychological suffering took its toll.
‘He has chosen to leave us, to rediscover the peace and serenity he has been unable to find over the last few years.’
The report also says that Oyarzabal had bipolar disorder.
He leaves behind an 13-year-old daughter that he had with his ex-wife, Jana Kondo.
The Frenchman died back in February, with the French Surfing Federation saying in a statement: ‘We were saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most gifted French surfers of any generation.
Hugues Oyarzabal, one of the world’s most famous surfers, has died at the age of 39
‘A pioneer of slabs deemed unsurfable and of on-board camera videos, the surfer from Hendaye was as comfortable in a huge Parlementia as he was on the nearest beach break; as technical in the air as he was in the tubes.
‘A citizen of the world, he had skimmed the most beautiful waves, making Indonesia his second homeland.’
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
